The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed that it will continue investigating Engineer Farouk Ahmed, the immediate past CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), despite the withdrawal of the petition against him by Alhaji Aliko Dangote.

The Commission received a letter on January 5, 2026, from Dr. O.J. Onoja, SAN, legal counsel to Dangote, formally withdrawing the petition dated December 16, 2025, and noting that another law enforcement agency had taken over the matter.

ICPC’s spokesperson, Okor Odey, stated, “The ICPC wishes to state categorically that in line with the provisions of sections 3(14) and 27(3) of its enabling Act, the investigations in the interest of the Nigerian people and the Nigerian state have already commenced and are presently ongoing. The Commission will continue to investigate this matter in line with its statutory mandate, ensuring transparency, accountability, and the fight against corruption.”

The ICPC reaffirmed its commitment to pursue the case in accordance with the law and for the benefit of the Nigerian state, emphasizing that the withdrawal of the petition does not halt ongoing investigations.